TMJ & Jaw Pain Therapy in San Francisco
Anchor Dental (West Portal)

At Anchor Dental in West Portal, San Francisco, we provide TMJ and jaw pain therapy designed to relieve discomfort, restore natural movement, and prevent long-term damage to the jaw joint.

TMJ (temporomandibular joint disorder, or TMD) can cause a range of symptoms — from jaw stiffness and clicking to headaches, ear pressure, or facial pain. These symptoms often appear gradually and can interfere with daily comfort, sleep, and even eating.

Our care focuses on identifying the underlying cause and creating a personalized, non-surgical plan that brings lasting relief.

Understanding TMJ disorders

The temporomandibular joint acts as a hinge connecting your lower jaw (mandible) to your skull. It allows you to open, close, and move your jaw smoothly.
When this joint becomes strained, misaligned, or inflamed, it can trigger pain not just in the jaw — but throughout the head and neck.

Common causes of TMJ problems:

• Teeth grinding (bruxism) — often during sleep or stress
• Misaligned bite or uneven chewing forces
• Jaw clenching from anxiety or habit
• Arthritis affecting the joint’s cartilage
• Injury or trauma to the jaw or face
• Excessive gum chewing or nail biting

Each case is unique. Our goal is to identify what’s overloading your jaw joint and build a plan that reduces stress and inflammation over time.

Recognizing TMJ symptoms

TMJ pain isn’t always obvious — it can mimic other dental or sinus issues.
Common signs include:

• Jaw stiffness or limited movement
• Clicking, popping, or grinding sounds when opening or closing
• Pain near the ears or temples
• Headaches or neck tension
• Soreness when chewing or yawning
• Facial fatigue
• Jaw locking (open or closed position)

If these symptoms persist or worsen, an evaluation can help prevent further joint strain and chronic pain.

Our TMJ evaluation process

At Anchor Dental, we start with a detailed examination to understand how your jaw functions and where strain occurs.

1. Consultation and discussion – We talk about your symptoms, daily habits, and stress levels to identify possible triggers.
2. Physical examination – Gentle palpation of jaw muscles, joint movement testing, and bite analysis.
3. Digital imaging – X-rays or 3D scans (if needed) to visualize the joint, surrounding bones, and tooth alignment.
4. Diagnosis and plan – Based on findings, we outline your options — from night guards to muscle therapy or minor bite adjustments.

This step-by-step approach helps target the cause instead of just masking symptoms.

TMJ & jaw pain treatment options

Our therapies focus on relieving pain, reducing muscle strain, and improving jaw function naturally.

1. Custom night guards

These clear, comfortable oral appliances prevent grinding and clenching during sleep. They cushion the teeth, relax jaw muscles, and reduce morning soreness.

2. Bite adjustment

When teeth don’t align evenly, the jaw compensates — creating strain. Minor reshaping or selective polishing of high spots can improve balance and reduce tension.

3. Muscle relaxation therapy

Gentle exercises and stretching techniques retrain muscles to move naturally without overexertion. We also recommend warm compresses or short-term anti-inflammatory medication if needed.

4. Stress management and posture guidance

Because stress often triggers clenching, we provide practical relaxation strategies — from mindfulness breathing to correcting head and neck posture that affects jaw alignment.

5. Restorative treatments (if needed)

In some cases, worn or missing teeth contribute to imbalance. Restoring the bite with crowns, bridges, or Invisalign can stabilize function and eliminate long-term stress on the joint.

What to expect during TMJ therapy

TMJ treatment is gradual, not instant — because the jaw muscles and ligaments need time to relax and heal.
Most patients notice:

• Reduced tension within the first 1–2 weeks
• Fewer headaches and facial soreness after a few sessions
• Better jaw movement and less “popping” within a month or two

Our follow-up visits track your progress and adjust treatment as needed.

At-home care tips for jaw relief

You can help your recovery by:

• Applying warm compresses for 10 minutes twice daily
• Avoiding hard or chewy foods (gum, nuts, crusty bread)
• Keeping your jaw relaxed (teeth slightly apart, tongue resting)
• Practicing gentle jaw stretches we’ll demonstrate
• Using over-the-counter anti-inflammatories for short-term pain relief
• Reducing caffeine and managing daily stress

These simple steps often make a significant difference when combined with professional therapy.

The connection between TMJ and daily wellness

TMJ disorders don’t just affect your jaw — they can impact sleep, posture, and mood.
Many patients who treat TMJ symptoms also report:

• Fewer migraines and neck aches
• Improved focus and energy
• Better sleep quality
• Relief from facial muscle fatigue

When the jaw functions smoothly again, the rest of the body follows — tension eases, and your natural balance returns.

Why early treatment matters

Ignoring TMJ symptoms can lead to chronic inflammation or joint deterioration. Over time, the cartilage cushion in the joint can wear down, leading to limited movement or arthritis-like stiffness. Early therapy not only stops this progression but often reverses it entirely through conservative care.

Local connection – serving San Francisco neighborhoods

Many of our patients  come to Anchor Dental after months of unexplained headaches or jaw fatigue.
They often tell us they didn’t realize the problem was dental in nature. Our diagnostic approach bridges that gap — combining dental expertise with muscle and joint health understanding for complete care.

Common questions

Is TMJ therapy painful?
No. Treatments are gentle and designed to reduce tension, not cause it.

Do I need surgery for TMJ?
Almost never. Most TMJ cases are successfully treated with conservative, non-surgical methods.

Can stress really cause jaw pain?
Yes. Clenching from stress or anxiety is one of the most common triggers of TMJ tension.

Will a night guard fix everything?
It’s often a big part of the solution, but we also address posture, bite balance, and stress habits for full relief.

How long does treatment take?
Most patients feel improvement within weeks, though chronic cases may need a few months for full recovery.

Why San Francisco patients choose Anchor Dental

• Experienced diagnosis and care for complex jaw pain cases
• Custom night guards made in-house for precision and comfort
• Holistic, non-surgical approach that treats cause and symptom
• Modern technology for imaging and bite analysis

Dr. Esra Salihoglu Yener, DDS, PhD combines restorative expertise with a deep understanding of occlusion and joint dynamics, making TMJ therapy both effective and sustainable.

Schedule your TMJ & jaw pain therapy in San Francisco

Jaw tension, clicking, or headaches shouldn’t be part of your daily life. Schedule a visit at Anchor Dental for gentle, targeted therapy that helps your jaw work the way it was meant to.